As residents and visitors sip on a warm beverage from 10 DEAN’s café or take part in study sessions in Waverley’s Lobby Lounge, they are surrounded by stunning and unique art pieces by some incredible Toronto-based artists. Among these pieces rests a custom piece by Thrush Holmes. Sitting 10 feet in the air, Thrush’s radiant masterpiece perfectly captures the essence of life at Waverley, illuminating the lobby from above as residents stride towards their elevators.
From Welland, Ontario, Thrush Holmes is a self-taught visual arts veteran with over 20 years’ experience. His aggressive and contemporary style, mixed with contrasting poetic tropes, catapulted him to becoming one of Canada’s top-selling artists. His painting at Waverley is a clear example of his style, drawing inspiration from modernist painters like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse—evidenced by the spray-painted floral elements extending across the whole canvas. Similarly, the piece showcases Thrush’s exploration of motion using oil stick drippings cascading from bold paint lines across the canvas. The painting sets itself apart by its clever use of neon light details adding a luminous element to the design, allowing it to glow from day to night.
Thrush’s art style seamlessly complements Waverley’s eclectic design. His use of bold, vibrant, and energetic colour palettes harmonize well with Kensington Market and Little Italy’s cultural identities. The spray-paint elements call back to Kensington Market’s wall mural paintings and alleyways that have become synonymous with the area and creative enthusiasts. What’s more, the oil stick drippings offer a motion feature to symbolize College & Spadina’s bustling neighbourhood of commuters from all walks of life enjoying one of Toronto’s most lively and sought after communities. This piece emphasizes Waverley as the place to call home, surrounded by a diverse blend of restaurants, thrift stores, jewelers, clothing apparel, and everything in between. Waverley residents not only enjoy best-in-class amenities, but they can also explore one of Toronto’s most diverse artistic communities just outside of their boutique rental suite.
The future of rental living is here.